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Bradley Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir
From the fog and mist of Elkton
Elkton is a small town (population: 194) at the north end of the Umpqua Valley. Situated between Eugene and the Oregon Coast, it’s colder and wetter than much of the Umpqua. And it’s for that reason that, in 2013, the Elkton AVA was recognized.
John Bradley planted his first grapes in 1983 but didn’t produce his own wine until 2003, when a winery refused to take delivery of a truckload of Pinot Noir. Bradley called the winemakers at River’s Edge (for whom he had managed the vineyard) and they collaborated right then to make the first Bradley Pinot Noir.
John helped drive the recognition of the Elkton AVA. He served on the local school board. He organized community events and was an ambassador for Elkton.
Last year, John passed away unexpectedly at age 65. He was so beloved throughout the region that the service was held in the high school gym – and more than 400 people showed up (remember, just 194 people live in Elkton!)
Today, the Bradley label is still going strong, producing wines under the leadership of his wife, Bonnie, and their two adult children, Tyler and Rachel.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Bradley Vineyards, Elkton, Oregon
2010 Pinot Noir
This complex Pinot Noir is full-bodied and bold with a great mouth feel, dominant fruit, and a hint of pepper on the long, beautiful finish.
At the northern tip of southern Oregon, Elkton’s climate is much different than the sun-drenched fields around Ashland and Medford. This tiny area is on the main Umpqua River which flows through a valley opening to the Pacific only 36 miles away and only 142 feet lower in elevation.
This geography allows for a very strong marine influence with daily sea breezes and fog penetrating into the valley, giving Elkton its uniquely cool, maritime, and temperate climate.
A Cellar 503 selection in June 2015, Wines Outside The Willamette Valley Elkton | Pinot Noir
